Fairburn's

Duncan Park has turned into a political football that is being kicked

back and forth between the city and Fulton County.

During Monday

night's council meeting, Fairburn officials said they wanted to meet with

Fulton County about the park, but just have not been able to work out

a schedule with the county.

But City Administrator

Tony Cox reiterated the position that Fairburn cannot take over costs

of the park and the situation is in Fulton County's hands.

Fulton officials

have cited a state law that states when a municipality reaches 5,000 in

population and annexes parks into its municipalities, it must start picking

up the costs. But Cox is not sure the law is being interpreted correctly.

"I think

Fulton County's got a problem," he said. "That park doesn't

just serve Fairburn."

Councilwoman

Frankie Arnold agreed and said during Little League season, children from

all over the south side of town use the park.

But Commissioner

Bill Edwards said the law is clear and he met with residents at Duncan

park last night to try and explain the county's position.

He said he

has already poured $1 million into the park and can't put anymore money

into it. The pool at the park has been closed because of mechanical problems,

and Edwards said Fulton County can't pay to fix it.

He also said

phase two of the park expansion includes a gymnasium, but that's on hold

until the funding dispute is settled.

"I'm willing

to meet them halfway, but they have to do something," he said.

Edwards pointed

to recent news articles showing how rapidly Fairburn is growing and suggested

placing a recreational tax on the citizens to pay for the facility.

Edwards said

he can't pay anymore for the facility, since it would set a precedent

for future municipalities who annex parks into their city limits.

He said the

situation has to be resolved soon.

"I've

got a lot of constituents with a lot of needs and this will be settled

soon," he said.

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